Report: More Canadians Relying on Food Banks

A new report released Tuesday suggests more Canadians are relying on food banks.

According to the findings of Food Banks Canada, roughly 863,492 people turned to a food bank this past March.

That’s an increase of 1.3 per cent over March 2015 and a 28 per cent rise over 2008.

The only provinces that did not see significant increases in usage compared to 2015 were Ontario and Manitoba.

Food Banks Canada believes the higher usage is driven by short term economic disruption and the government’s failure to properly support people who face financial difficulties. Officials are recommending feds revamp Canada’s welfare system and implement a poverty reduction strategy

The organization, which supports provincial associations, food banks and food agencies that work at the community level, is holding a news conference in Ottawa on Tuesday to discuss the findings in the report.